Best method for cleaning awnings.

RobCol · Senior Member

Best method for cleaning awnings.

Vic41 · Senior Member

Hi Robcol,

I am no expert but others have told me to use a mild solution of sugar soap (no full strength), I have tried that and it does remove some, but not all. I have also tried one of those "Magic Erasers" that you get from Coles or Woolies etc in the kitchen shelves, does seem to work well especially for short clean ups on the move.

Whatever have used I can never get the awning 100% and sometimes I think for really difficult stains (after an intial clean up) are better left as is rather than destroy the awning surface which is UV treated.

If your awning is rolled up at home (after travelling home in the rain or stored outside), roll out when you can and dry, as mildew gets inside the rolled up section and needs to be cleaned.

Vic 41

Cruising Granny · Guru

Try Gumption on the stubborn spots, but rinse anything off very, very well.
Never, never, ever roll up wet for storage.
I use a small amount of dish detergent and vinegar in hot water to clean the mildew off the underside.
Maintenance is imperitive for the longevity of your awning and walls. Vinyl is easier than canvas.
Bear in mind vinyl will begin to oxidise after about 4 years exposed to the elements. Keep it clean and wash down frequently to prolong its life. When I gets brittle and really oxidised to the point when it leaves a powdery residue, it becomes toxic.
Lots of TLC, even for me. Cheers Chris

kenmarg · Senior Member

hi robcol. i get a good result, hot water with handy andy, a good scrub with a soft bristle brush. i let it soak for awhile,then hit it with the karcher high pressure car washer.( dont get real close with the tip of the karcher, to the canvas )

Basil Faulty · Guru

I use the CT18 superwash, spray it on with the low pressure Karcher, go away for a cuppa and allow to dry, then give it a good wash with the Karcher with the wide nozzle from about 6" away.
Never be tempted to use bleach or solvents.

RobCol · Senior Member

Thankyou all for those hints. We have noticed in this park a fellow "long stayer" who has put a heavy duty tarp over the top of the awning. Must ask him how its working. Must be some advantage under trees and with all the bl,,,,,dy rain on Sunshine Coast. A few Vics are starting to straggle in; apparently the park will be full by end of June.
cheers

Cruising Granny · Guru

The tarp over the top stops bird poo and leaf stains falling on the awning. It also reduces some heat and covers any leaks. Just watch the mould and mildew.
I prefer to see and clean.

Neighbours here in this park had a large tarp over their annexe and part of their van during the wet season. They live in their brand new Jayco Heritage with wind out bedroom. Nothing but leaks. Jayco Townsville will honour the warranty if the people go to Townsville. No after sales service to come to Cairns. They have thousands of dollars worth of leaks and consequent damage in the van they paid thousands of dollars for.

Some Vic plates are cruising the streets of Cairns, as well as visitors from sth. Qld, some SA and WA. Very slow though. I would have expected more traffic by now. None of the 3 monthers seem to be in this park yet. Those currently staying here are temps or waiting to go to Cape Yorke. It's early days.

Recycled Teenagers · Member

We currently live in a 1970's transportable with awnings on all windows. Have found that the easiest way to clean them is with an Enjo garage glove on a pole and plain warm water, no detergent etc. This method seems to remove all the bird poo and we get plenty from magpies and top knots.